Rab2A regulates the progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease downstream of AMPK-TBC1D1 axis by stabilizing PPARγ.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects approximately a quarter of the population worldwide, and persistent overnutrition is one of the major causes. However, the underlying molecular basis has not been fully elucidated, and no specific drug has been approved for this disease. Here, we identify a regulatory mechanism that reveals a novel function of Rab2A in the progression of NAFLD based on energy status and PPARγ. The mechanistic analysis shows that nutrition repletion suppresses the phosphorylation of AMPK-TBC1D1 signaling, augments the level of GTP-bound Rab2A, and then increases the protein stability of PPARγ, which ultimately promotes the hepatic accumulation of lipids in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, we found that blocking the AMPK-TBC1D1 pathway in TBC1D1S231A-knock-in (KI) mice led to a markedly increased GTP-bound Rab2A and subsequent fatty liver in aged mice. Our studies also showed that inhibition of Rab2A expression alleviated hepatic lipid deposition in western diet-induced obesity (DIO) mice by reducing the protein level of PPARγ and the expression of PPARγ target genes. Our findings not only reveal a new molecular mechanism regulating the progression of NAFLD during persistent overnutrition but also have potential implications for drug discovery to combat this disease.

Sex pheromone communication in an insect parasitoid, Campoletis chlorideae Uchida.

Sex pheromones are pivotal for insect reproduction. However, the mechanism of sex pheromone communication remains enigmatic in hymenopteran parasitoids. Here we have identified the sex pheromone and elucidated the olfactory basis of sex pheromone communication in Campoletis chlorideae (Ichneumonidae), a solitary larval endoparasitoid of over 30 lepidopteran pests. Using coupled gas chromatography-electroantennogram detection, we identified two female-derived pheromone components, tetradecanal (14:Ald) and 2-heptadecanone (2-Hep) (1:4.6), eliciting strong antennal responses from males but weak responses from females. We observed that males but not females were attracted to both single components and the blend. The hexane-washed female cadavers failed to arouse males, and replenishing 14:Ald and 2-Hep could partially restore the sexual attraction of males. We further expressed six C. chlorideae male-biased odorant receptors in Drosophila T1 neurons and found that CchlOR18 and CchlOR47 were selectively tuned to 14:Ald and 2-Hep, respectively. To verify the biological significance of this data, we knocked down CchlOR18 and CchlOR47 individually or together in vivo and show that the attraction of C. chlorideae to their respective ligands was abolished. Moreover, the parasitoids defective in either of the receptors were less likely to court and copulate. Finally, we show that the sex pheromone and (Z)-jasmone, a potent female attractant, can synergistically affect behaviors of virgin males and virgin females and ultimately increase the parasitic efficiency of C. chlorideae. Our study provides new insights into the molecular mechanism of sex pheromone communication in C. chlorideae that may permit manipulation of parasitoid behavior for pest control.

Schwann cell-derived extracellular vesicles promote memory impairment associated with chronic neuropathic pain.

BACKGROUND: The pathogenesis of memory impairment, a common complication of chronic neuropathic pain (CNP), has not been fully elucidated. Schwann cell (SC)-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) contribute to remote organ injury. Here, we showed that SC-EVs may mediate pathological communication between SCs and hippocampal neurons in the context of CNP. METHODS: We used an adeno-associated virus harboring the SC-specific promoter Mpz and expressing the CD63-GFP gene to track SC-EVs transport. microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles of EVs and gain-of-function and loss-of-function regulatory experiments revealed that miR-142-5p was the main cargo of SC-EVs. Next, luciferase reporter gene and phenotyping experiments confirmed the direct targets of miR-142-5p. RESULTS: The contents and granule sizes of plasma EVs were significantly greater in rats with chronic sciatic nerve constriction injury (CCI)than in sham rats. Administration of the EV biogenesis inhibitor GW4869 ameliorated memory impairment in CCI rats and reversed CCI-associated dendritic spine damage. Notably, during CCI stress, SC-EVs could be transferred into the brain through the circulation and accumulate in the hippocampal CA1-CA3 regions. miR-142-5p was the main cargo wrapped in SC-EVs and mediated the development of CCI-associated memory impairment. Furthermore, α-actinin-4 (ACTN4), ELAV-like protein 4 (ELAVL4) and ubiquitin-specific peptidase 9 X-linked (USP9X) were demonstrated to be important downstream target genes for miR-142-5p-mediated regulation of dendritic spine damage in hippocampal neurons from CCI rats. CONCLUSION: Together, these findings suggest that SCs-EVs and/or their cargo miR-142-5p may be potential therapeutic targets for memory impairment associated with CNP.

Multiple Low-Level Viraemia Suggest Hindered Liver Fibrosis Regression in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients During Antiviral Therapy.

Low-level viraemia (LLV) occurs in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients despite antiviral treatment, which may cause failed histological regression. Our study aimed to investigate the impact of different LLV types on fibrosis regression. The prospective study enrolled CHB patients with paired liver biopsies before and after 260 weeks of entecavir treatment. Fibrosis regression was defined by the Ishak score or P-I-R system. Patients were grouped as the SVR (HBV DNA < 20 IU/mL persistently) or LLV (HBV DNA between 20 and 2000 IU/mL), which were further grouped as very low-level viraemia (VLLV, HBV DNA < 50 IU/mL), occasionally LLV (OLLV, HBV DNA ≥ 50 IU/mL only once) and multiple LLV (MLLV, HBV DNA ≥ 50 IU/mL more than once). Logistic regression models were used to calculate the adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The analysis included 111 CHB patients. In the SVR group (n = 54), 39 (72.2%) patients had fibrosis regression, which was higher than the LLV (56.1%, p = 0.080). The fibrosis regression rates for VLLV (30 patients), OLLV (17 patients) and MLLV (10 patients) were 70.0%, 52.9% and 30.0%, respectively. Compared with SVR, VLLV (aOR = 0.78; 95% CI: 0.28-2.21; p = 0.644) was not associated with fibrosis regression, but patients with non-VLLV (aOR = 0.27; 95% CI: 0.09-0.85; p = 0.025), especially with MLLV (aOR = 0.19; 95% CI: 0.04-0.97; p = 0.046) is significantly associated with hindered fibrosis regression. Our study suggests that patients with detectable serum HBV DNA levels higher than 50 IU/mL need to be monitored carefully, especially in those with more than once. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifiers NCT01938781 and NCT01938820.

Molecular regulation of DNA damage and repair in female infertility: a systematic review.

DNA damage is a key factor affecting gametogenesis and embryo development. The integrity and stability of DNA are fundamental to a woman's successful conception, embryonic development, pregnancy and the production of healthy offspring. Aging, reactive oxygen species, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy often induce oocyte DNA damage, diminished ovarian reserve, and infertility in women. With the increase of infertility population, there is an increasing need to study the relationship between infertility related diseases and DNA damage and repair. Researchers have tried various methods to reduce DNA damage in oocytes and enhance their DNA repair capabilities in an attempt to protect oocytes. In this review, we summarize recent advances in the DNA damage response mechanisms in infertility diseases such as PCOS, endometriosis, diminished ovarian reserve and hydrosalpinx, which has important implications for fertility preservation.

Deciphering prognostic indicators in AQP4-IgG-seropositive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder: An integrative review of demographic and laboratory factors.

BACKGROUND: Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a group of inflammatory diseases affecting the central nervous system, characterized by optic neuritis and myelitis. The complex nature of NMOSD and varied patient response necessitates personalized treatment and efficient patient stratification strategies. OBJECTIVE: To provide a comprehensive review of recent advances in clinical and biomarker research related to aquaporin-4 (AQP4)-immunoglobulin G (IgG)-seropositive NMOSD prognosis and identify key areas for future research. METHODS: A comprehensive review and synthesis of recent literature were conducted, focusing on demographic factors and laboratory investigations. RESULTS: Demographic factors, such as age, ethnicity, and sex, influence NMOSD prognosis. Key biomarkers for NMOSD prognosis include homocysteine, antinuclear antibodies, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, thyroid hormone levels, neurofilament light chain levels, and serum glial fibrillary acidic protein might also predict NMOSD attack prognosis. CONCLUSION: Further investigation is required to understand sex-related disparities and biomarker inconsistencies. Identification and understanding of these factors can aid in the development of personalized therapeutic strategies, thereby improving outcomes for NMOSD patients. Future studies should focus on unifying research design for consistent results.

Epitaxial Growth of Surface Perforations on Parallel Cylinders in Terraced Films of Block Copolymer/Homopolymer Blends.

Due to incommensurability between initial thickness and interdomain distance, thermal annealing inevitably produces relief surface terraces (islands and holes) of various morphologies in thin films of block copolymers. We have demonstrated three kinds of surface terraces in blend films: polygrain terraces with diffuse edges, polygrain terraces with step edges, and pseudo-monograin terraces with island coarsening. The three morphologies were obtained by three different thermal histories, respectively. The thermal histories were imposed on blend films, which were prepared by mixing a homopolystyrene (hPS, 6.1 kg/mol) with a weakly segregated, symmetry polystyrene-block poly(methyl methacrylate) (PS-b-PMMA, 42 kg/mol) followed by spin coating. At a given weight-fraction ratio of PS-b-PMMA/hPS = 75/25, the interior of the blend films forms parallel cylinders. Nevertheless, the surface of the blend films is always dominated by a skin layer of perforations, which epitaxially grow on top of parallel cylinders. By oxygen plasma etching at various time intervals to probe interior nanodomains, the epitaxial relationship between surface perforations and parallel cylinders has been identified by a scanning electron microscope.

Molecular-weight effects of a homopolymer on the AB- and ABC-stacks of perforations in block copolymer/homopolymer films.

We have demonstrated the molecular-weight effects of adding homopolystyrene (hPS) on the evolution of perforated layers and double gyroids in polystyrene-block-poly(methyl methacrylate)-based films during isothermal annealing. Two homopolystyrenes of 2.8 and 17 kg mol-1 were used. To prepare blend films, PS-b-PMMA and hPSx (x: 2.8 or 17) were mixed at a weight-fraction ratio of 75/25 in toluene and then spin-coated at SiOx/Si. Spin coating inevitably produced films with thick edges at the periphery of the substrate. The structural evolution of the spun films was in situ characterized by grazing incidence small-angle X-ray scattering (GISAXS). The annealed films were then characterized using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). We found that thin middle regions behaved differently from thick beads for the films. The middle of the blend films mainly formed perforated layers with different spatial orders and orientations, depending on the molecular weight of added hPS chains. Hexagonally perforated layers quickly formed at 205 °C for PS-b-PMMA/hPS2.8 films. However, when hPS17 was used instead of hPS2.8, perforated layers formed with defects in PS-b-PMMA/hPS17 films annealed at 205 °C. Annealing at 240 °C improved the spatial order and orientation of perforated layers for a PS-b-PMMA/hPS17 film. Nevertheless, annealing at 240 °C inversely depressed the in-plane spatial order of perforated layers for a PS-b-PMMA/hPS2.8 film. The depression in the in-plane spatial order is ascribed to a dilution effect of added short chains. Compared to the middle regions, the thick beads went through several metastable phases, such as perpendicularly oriented perforated layers and double gyroids.

Trajectory-dependent threshold effects of proton stopping power in LiF nanosheets.

We conducted a study on the trajectory-dependent threshold effects of proton stopping power in LiF nanosheets using time-dependent density functional theory non-adiabatically coupled to the molecular dynamics. This study covered protons with initial velocities in the range of 0.1-1.0 a.u., offering a vast amount of detailed information on the electronic structure during the stopping process with superior spatial and temporal resolution. Our results show that the impact parameters of incident protons play a crucial role in determining the threshold behavior of proton stopping power in LiF nanosheets. Most importantly, we found that close collisions do not exhibit a discernible threshold. In addition, the research results also revealed the time dependence of the number of electrons occupying the atomic orbitals of F and Li as protons pass through the nanosheets.

Transparent grating-based metamaterials for dynamic infrared radiative regulation smart windows.

Dynamic infrared radiation regulation has been widely explored for smart windows because of its vital importance for comfortable and energy-efficient buildings. However, it remains a great challenge to synchronously achieve high visible transmittance and pronounced infrared tunability. Here, we propose a dynamic infrared tunable metamaterial composed of indium tin oxide (ITO) gratings, an air insulator, and an ITO reflector. The ITO grating-based infrared radiation regulator exhibits a high emissivity tunability of 0.73 at 8-13 µm while maintaining a high visible transmittance of 0.65 and 0.72 before and after actuation, respectively. By adjusting the geometric parameters, the tunable bandwidth can be further extended to 3-30 µm and the ultra-broadband tunability reaches 0.62. The excellent infrared tunable performance arises from the insulator thickness-dependent effect of Fabry-Pérot and propagating surface plasmon resonance coupling and decoupling, which lead to perfect and low absorption, respectively. This work provides potential for the advancement of smart window technology and makes a significant contribution to sustainable buildings.

Fecal calprotectin: A novel predictor of ulcerated esophageal injury after atrial fibrillation catheter ablation.

BACKGROUND: Atrial esophageal fistula (AEF) is a lethal complication that can occur post atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. Esophageal injury (EI) is likely to be the initial lesion leading to AEF. Endoscopic examination is the gold standard for a diagnosis of EI but extensive endoscopic screening is invasive and costly. This study was conducted to determine whether fecal calprotectin (Fcal), a marker of inflammation throughout the intestinal tract, may be associated with the existence of esophageal injury. METHODS: This diagnostic study was conducted in a cohort of 166 patients with symptomatic AF undergoing radiofrequency catheter ablation from May 2020 to June 2021. Fcal tests were performed 1-7 days after ablation. All patients underwent endoscopic ultrasonography 1 or 2 days after ablation. RESULTS: The levels of Fcal were significantly different between the EI and non-EI groups (404.9 µg/g (IQR 129.6-723.6) vs. 40.4 µg/g (IQR 15.0-246.2), p < .001). Analysis of ROC curves revealed that a Fcal level of 125 µg/g might be the optimal cut-off value for a diagnosis of EI, giving a 78.8% sensitivity and a 65.4% specificity. The negative predictive value of Fcal was 100% for ulcerated EI. CONCLUSIONS: The level of Fcal is associated with EI post AF catheter ablation. 125 µg/g might be the optimal cut-off value for a diagnosis of EI. Negative Fcal could predict the absence of ulcerated EI, which could be considered a precursor to AEF.

Knowledge of Alzheimer's disease and associated factors among adults in Zhuhai, China: a cross-sectional analysis.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to assess the public knowledge regarding Alzheimer's Disease (AD) in Zhuhai, China, focusing on identifying knowledge gaps and the influence of demographic and health factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Zhuhai, China, from October to November 2022. A total of 1986 residents from 18 communities were selected employing stratified multi-stage equi-proportional sampling. Questionnaires covering general information and the Alzheimer's Disease Knowledge Scale (ADKS) were investigated face-to-face. Ordinal multiclass logistic regression was applied to assess the relationship between AD awareness and demographic and health characteristics. RESULTS: The average ADKS score was 18.5 (SD = 3.36) in Zhuhai. The lowest awareness rates were observed in the "Symptoms" and "Caregiving" subdomains of ADKS, with rates of 51.01% and 43.78%, respectively. The correct rates for the 30 ADKS questions ranged from 16.62 to 92.6%, showing a bimodal pattern with clusters around 80% and 20%. Women (OR = 1.203, 95% CI: 1.009-1.435), individuals aged 60 years or older (OR = 2.073, 95% CI: 1.467-2.932), those living in urban areas (OR = 1.361, 95% CI: 1.117-1.662), higher average monthly household income per capita (OR = 1.641, 95% CI: 1.297-2.082), and without any neurological or mental disorders (OR = 1.810, 95% CI: 1.323-2.478) were more likely to have higher levels of awareness about Alzheimer's disease. CONCLUSIONS: Adults in Zhuhai show a limited knowledge of AD, particularly in the 'Symptoms' and 'Caregiving' subdomains. Upcoming health campaigns must focus on bridging the knowledge gaps in different subdomains of AD, especially among subgroups with lower awareness, as identified in our study.

Carbon-TiO2 Hybrid Quantum Dots for Photocatalytic Inactivation of Gram-Positive and Gram-Negative Bacteria.

Carbon-semiconductor hybrid quantum dots are classical carbon dots with core carbon nanoparticles doped with a selected nanoscale semiconductor. Specifically, on those with the nanoscale TiO2 doping, denoted as CTiO2-Dots, their synthesis and thorough characterization were reported previously. In this work, the CTiO2-Dots were evaluated for their visible light-activated antibacterial function, with the results showing the effective killing of not only Gram-positive but also the generally more resistant Gram-negative bacteria. The hybrid dots are clearly more potent antibacterial agents than their neat carbon dot counterparts. Mechanistically, the higher antibacterial performance of the CTiO2-Dots is attributed to their superior photoexcited state properties, which are reflected by the observed much brighter fluorescence emissions. Also considered and discussed is the possibility of additional contributions to the antibacterial activities due to the photosensitization of the nanoscale TiO2 by its doped core carbon nanoparticles.

Effect of GnRH Active Immunisation on Reproductive Performance of Male Sprague Dawley Rats.

To investigate the effect of active immunisation with gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) on the reproductive function in male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats, 24 42-day-old rats were randomly assigned to treatment with GnRH6-MAP, GnRH-OVA, a surgical castration group, and a blank control group. Each rat in the treatment groups was intramuscularly injected at 6, 8, and 10 weeks of age. The serum concentrations of testosterone (T), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinising hormone (LH), and anti-GnRH antibodies were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The results showed that active immunisation with recombinant GnRH6-MBP and GnRH-OVA significantly increased the serum levels of anti-GnRH antibodies and reduced the serum concentrations of testosterone compared to the black control. Eight weeks after immunisation, the rats' testes were surgically removed for morphological evaluation, showing atrophy of the convoluted vasculature, relative emptying of the lumen, and insignificant differentiation of spermatogonial cells, which were increased in weight and volume compared with the blank control group. These findings indicated that active immunisation with GnRH can lead to testicular atrophy and reduce gonadal hormone concentrations, suggesting that GnRH is a highly effective immunogen.

How to improve the energy-saving performance of China's transport sector? An input-output perspective.

The transport sector proves a major energy consumer in China, but improving energy-saving performance in China's provincial transport sector from the lifecycle perspective remains unresolved. Thus, this study employs the environmentally extended multi-region input-output (MRIO) method, structural path analysis, and the newest MRIO table of China from 2017, to investigate how to improve the energy-saving performance from final demand structure, supply chain, and pathway perspectives. The relevant results are threefold. (1) Regarding the final demand structure level, the embodied energy consumption of China's transport sector is predominantly driven by investment from the production side, while that of the consumption side is primarily caused by exports. (2) At the supply chain level, production-side embodied energy consumption primarily occurs along a three-echelon supply chain, while that from the consumption side mostly occurs via a two-echelon supply chain. (3) At the pathway level, the production-side energy-saving performance of China's provincial transport sector is dominated by two pathways along the construction sector, including transport sector → construction sector → final demands, and transport sector → intermediate inputs → construction sector → final demands, while that of the consumption side is chiefly determined by three pathways along internal transportation chains.

[Multidimensional supportive psychological intervention in clinical practice teaching of andrological nursing].

OBJECTIVE: To examine the application of a novel pedagogical approach multidimensional supportive psychological intervention (MSPI) in the clinical practice teaching of andrological nursing care. METHODS: Using the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), we assessed the psychology of 100 nursing interns about to enter clinical practice in the Department of Andrology from December 2021 to December 2022. We equally randomized the subjects into an experimental and a control group, the former receiving MSPI and the latter trained on the conventional teaching model without any psychological support intervention. RESULTS: Compared with the baseline, the HAMD scores were significantly decreased in the experimental group after intervention (12.4±2.1 vs 8.9±2.4, P<0.01), but increased in the controls (13.1±1.8 vs 14.7±1.9, P<0.01); the skill scores dramatically increased in the experimental group (82.6±4.7 vs 91.2±2.4, P<0.01), but decreased in the control group after intervention (81.0±3.5 vs 80.4±2.7, P = 0.28). CONCLUSION: MSPI can significantly enhance the learning enthusiasm of nursing students in a short period, reduce their psychological stress and improve teaching outcomes. This approach, combining psychology with teaching, can also strengthen the mental resilience of nursing students and better confront them with future professional challenges.

Bioinspired Total Synthesis of Cephalotaxus Diterpenoids and Their Structural Analogues.

Herein, we present a unified chemical synthesis of three subgroups of cephalotaxus diterpenoids. Key to the success lies in adopting a synthetic strategy that is inspired by biosynthesis but is opposite in nature. By employing selective one-carbon introduction and ring expansion operations, we have successfully converted cephalotane-type C18 dinorditerpenoids (using cephanolide B as a starting material) into troponoid-type C19 norditerpenoids and intact cephalotane-type C20 diterpenoids. This synthetic approach has enabled us to synthesize cephinoid H, 13-oxo-cephinoid H, 7-oxo-cephinoid H, fortalpinoid C, 7-epi-fortalpinoid C, cephanolide E, and 13-epi-cephanolide E. Furthermore, through the development of an intermolecular asymmetric Michael reaction between ß-oxo esters and ß-substituted enones, we have achieved the enantioselective synthesis of advanced intermediates within our synthetic sequence, thus formally realizing the asymmetric total synthesis of the cephalotaxus diterpenoids family.

Multilevel-Regulated Metal-Organic Framework Platform Integrating Pore Space Partition and Open-Metal Sites for Enhanced CO2 Photoreduction to CO with Nearly 100% Selectivity.

Rational design and regulation of atomically precise photocatalysts are essential for constructing efficient photocatalytic systems tunable at both the atomic and molecular levels. Herein, we propose a platform-based strategy capable of integrating both pore space partition (PSP) and open-metal sites (OMSs) as foundational features for constructing high-performance photocatalysts. We demonstrate the first structural prototype obtained from this strategy: pore-partitioned NiTCPE-pstp (TCPE = 1,1,2,2-tetra(4-carboxylphenyl)ethylene, pstp = partitioned stp topology). Nonpartitioned NiTCPE-stp is constructed from six-connected [Ni3(µ3-OH)(COO)6] trimer and TCPE linker to form 1D hexagonal channels with six coplanar OMSs directed at channel centers. After introducing triangular pore-partitioning ligands, half of the OMSs were retained, while the other half were used for PSP, leading to unprecedented microenvironment regulation of the pore structure. The resulting material integrates multiple advanced properties, including robustness, wider absorption range, enhanced electronic conductivity, and high CO2 adsorption, all of which are highly desirable for photocatalytic applications. Remarkably, NiTCPE-pstp exhibits excellent CO2 photoreduction activity with a high CO generation rate of 3353.6 µmol g-1 h-1 and nearly 100% selectivity. Theoretical and experimental studies show that the introduction of partitioning ligands not only optimizes the electronic structure to promote the separation and transfer of photogenerated carriers but also reduces the energy barrier for the formation of *COOH intermediates while promoting CO2 activation and CO desorption. This work is believed to be the first example to integrate PSP strategies and OMSs within metal-organic framework (MOF) photocatalysts, which provides new insight as well as new structural prototype for the design and performance optimization of MOF-based photocatalysts.

Plastome phylogenomics and morphological traits analyses provide new insights into the phylogenetic position, species delimitation and speciation of Triplostegia (Caprifoliaceae).

BACKGROUND: The genus Triplostegia contains two recognized species, T. glandulifera and T. grandiflora, but its phylogenetic position and species delimitation remain controversial. In this study, we assembled plastid genomes and nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA) cistrons sampled from 22 wild Triplostegia individuals, each from a separate population, and examined these with 11 recently published Triplostegia plastomes. Morphological traits were measured from herbarium specimens and wild material, and ecological niche models were constructed. RESULTS: Triplostegia is a monophyletic genus within the subfamily Dipsacoideae comprising three monophyletic species, T. glandulifera, T. grandiflora, and an unrecognized species Triplostegia sp. A, which occupies much higher altitude than the other two. The new species had previously been misidentified as T. glandulifera, but differs in taproot, leaf, and other characters. Triplotegia is an old genus, with stem age 39.96 Ma, and within it T. glandulifera diverged 7.94 Ma. Triplostegia grandiflora and sp. A diverged 1.05 Ma, perhaps in response to Quaternary climate fluctuations. Niche overlap between Triplostegia species was positively correlated with their phylogenetic relatedness. CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide new insights into the species delimitation of Triplostegia, and indicate that a taxonomic revision of Triplostegia is needed. We also identified that either rpoB-trnC or ycf1 could serve as a DNA barcode for Triplostegia.

Carbon Dots: Classically Defined versus Organic Hybrids on Shared Properties, Divergences, and Myths.

Carbon dots are defined as small carbon nanoparticles with effective surface passivation via organic functionalization. The definition is literally a description of what carbon dots are originally found for the functionalized carbon nanoparticles displaying bright and colorful fluorescence emissions, mirroring those from similarly functionalized defects in carbon nanotubes. In literature more popular than classical carbon dots are the diverse variety of dot samples from "one-pot" carbonization of organic precursors. On the two different kinds of samples from the different synthetic approaches, namely, the classical carbon dots versus those from the carbonization method, highlighted in this article are their shared properties and apparent divergences, including also explorations of the relevant sample structural and mechanistic origins for the shared properties and divergences. Echoing the growing evidence and concerns in the carbon dots research community on the major presence of organic molecular dyes/chromophores in carbonization produced dot samples, demonstrated and discussed in this article are some representative cases of dominating spectroscopic interferences due to the organic dye contamination that have led to unfound claims and erroneous conclusions. Mitigation strategies to address the contamination issues, including especially the use of more vigorous processing conditions in the carbonization synthesis, are proposed and justified.